The Acting Governor of Niger State, Comrade Yakubu Garba, has refuted claims that victims of the recent bandit attack in Anguwan Magiro, Shiroro Local Government Area, were killed at an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp.
Speaking to journalists on Saturday after the three-day Fidda'u prayers held at Kuta Central Mosque in honor of the 13 victims, Comrade Garba clarified that the victims, who were farmers, had left the IDP camp to tend to their farms when they were tragically killed by bandits. He was accompanied by the Emir of Minna, Dr. Umar Farouk Bahago, and other top government officials.
Comrade Garba highlighted the adverse impact of insecurity on the state's agricultural revolution, noting that despite significant investments, banditry continues to displace farmers from their communities. He also addressed misconceptions about the current administration's security efforts compared to the previous government.
"In a democracy, everyone has the right to freedom of speech. We have set targets, but we are yet to meet them until we eradicate banditry in every nook and cranny of our communities," he stated.
The acting governor emphasized the progress made in the last two years, mentioning that people can now travel beyond Kuta to Zumba and other adjoining communities without fear. He assured that the government is committed to changing the narrative and tackling insecurity, especially in areas plagued by banditry.
Comrade Garba also appealed to the Federal Government to redeploy military personnel to Alawa community, from where they were withdrawn over five months ago, to help restore normalcy for the residents.